Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio is an Italian restaurant chain that was founded in Italy in 1972. It has since expanded to various locations in the United States. The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere.

History

Il Fornaio was first established in Barlassina, a small town in the Lombardy region of Italy. The founders, brothers Franco and Piero, had a passion for traditional Italian baking and wanted to share their love for Italian food with the world.

In 1981, Il Fornaio opened its first location outside of Italy in the city of Burlingame, California. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its freshly baked bread, homemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas.

Menu

Il Fornaio offers a wide range of Italian dishes, including antipasti, salads, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. Some of their popular menu items include:

• Bruschetta - Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
• Caprese Salad - A classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
• Spaghetti Carbonara - Pasta tossed with eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese.
• Linguine alle Vongole - Linguine pasta served with clams in a white wine and garlic sauce.
• Osso Buco - Braised veal shanks served with saffron risotto.

Locations

Il Fornaio has expanded to various locations across the United States, including California, Nevada, and Colorado. Each location strives to recreate the warm and inviting atmosphere of an Italian trattoria.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Il Fornaio has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding cuisine and service. Some of the notable accolades include:

• Winner of the "Best Italian Restaurant" award by the San Francisco Chronicle.
• Recognized as one of the "Top 10 Italian Restaurants in America" by Gayot.
• Awarded the "Wine Spectator Award of Excellence" for its extensive wine selection.